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Monday, February 25, 2013

CATE

  Hello, Everyone...

One of our grandgirls, JESSICA,  writes the most awesome and enlightening posts about the raising of CATE, her cute little daughter.

The following is one that especially played my heart strings.....and I wanted to share it with you.

Cory, Cate and Jess on a summer vacation.

More Lessons: Hand Holding

by JESSICA HENDRICKS

 

Today an amazing little almost-two-year-old and her grandmomma went for a walk and ended up in front of our house.
 Actually, the grandmomma told me they usually turn at the corner, but when they saw us playing in the yard, they came to visit. I thought that was brave. I need to be the kind of person who walks toward people instead of hiding behind trucks until they go away. Or looking very busy with child-scolding or dog-walking that I can't make eye contact. It's silly, but it's true. I'm working on it.


The girl, M, was a beautiful newly-articulate red head. (You guys must know that I have a weakness for red heads.) She had tiny little ponytails folded over in what my sisters call "messy buns" all over her head.
 ""Purely functional, grandmomma said.
I liked her already. I have to admit that the first thing I noticed about M was her hair, and the second thing I noticed was her little hand. She had one normal hand, and one tiny one, with little nubbins instead of fingers. 

Oh, gracious,I thought to myself. Please, Lord, don't let Cate say something embarrassing. 

 Already I'm having to remember to breathe, thinking of all the horrid things that could come spilling out of that mouth. She's only had three years to develop the filter; hers still has huge gaps. Kids are just so inconveniently honest. I'm reminded of the time in Target when a woman spoke to me in passing and then Cate said loudly, "What did that big lady say?" Luckily, that's been the worst of it so far. I'm sure that today is the day that changes.


The girls greet each other shyly. Then grandmomma says something brilliant.
 "Cate, did you notice M's little hand?"
"What little hand?" Cate asks, curious.
 First she notices M's normal hand, and points out that M's hands are littler than her own, since she's almost four.
"Wow! You're almost four? That's great! M, show Cate your little hand."
M holds her little hand out very close to Cate.
Cate looks it over and gives it a squeeze.
 "Hm," she says. "You wanna see my tricycle?"

M and Cate run full-speed across the yard. Cate shows her how to ring the bell.
"Ooh, I ride it?" M asks.

"Um, sure." Cate shares it easily. Two miracles already in this short conversation.
Later, when it is Cate's turn on the tricycle, she wants M to stand on the step on the back. She helps her off, holding her little hand. She runs her fingers over the nubbins, back and forth, back and forth.
I tell her to be gentle, just because I don't know what else to say.
She gives me that "you're-exasperating-me-Mom" look (She already has one!), and I know she's right, because her touch is caressing and curious.


Cate climbs on the seat, and tells M to stand on the back and hold on to her.
"I'm not sure it's a good idea," I say, picturing wheels careening and children rolling onto the concrete.
Grandmomma isn't worried. She positions M with her arms around Cate and stands back.
"Go slow," I instruct, and Cate pedals forward. M stands grinning wildly, arms wrapped around Cate's shoulders. Cate drives M around the driveway, steady on the pedals and careful on the turns. She has the most precious, proud little smile. I hover, but Grandmomma chats. She has raised four kids of her own, she tells me.

We spend a good half hour together, talking about the neighborhood and our families. When it is time for them to go home, they make us promise to come visit them soon.

"You know what?" Cate says to them before they walk away. "M is different than me."
                                                           I hold my breath.

 "She calls you Grandmomma. I call mine Grandma...or Grandi or Mimi."
Exhale. A golden hallelujah moment.

I learned so much today. I want to connect all the dots for you, but I'm still working them out myself. How M held out her flaw, her thing that made her different, for all to see- without self-consciousness or hesitation. How Cate took her little hand in her own. How it was such a non-issue. How Grandmomma handled it all with grace, with the wisdom of an experienced mother. And how I have so much left to learn.


NO WONDER GOD favors little children....
I do, too !!

XOXO, bj
Be Inspired Tues
Your Gonna Love It Tues.
Outdoor Wed.
Show and Share Wed.

30 comments:

Sarah said...

Tugs at my heart strings too. What a sweet post. Thank you for sharing.
Did you get hit by the snow storm? Windy and cold here...........Sarah

Maureen Wyatt said...

Oh, my gosh, that made me cry. It's beautifully written and all of it is so true. I have two grandchildren who have differences and it's shocking how thoughtless adults can be. Kids aren't usually as stupid about these things. Thanks for sharing this!

Hootin Anni said...

Oh my oh my....this was beautiful!!! Children are the best...they're so honest, so innocent, yet so curious and smart. Always teaching us adults how to live life to the fullest. LOVED this post.

Vee said...

Beautiful...

Vee said...

Is that a snowman in Texas?

Patty Patterson said...

Such a beautiful story! We can learn a lot from little ones, can't we.

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

What a beautifully written, heartfelt story! Cate is a real dollbaby. Children usualy are the ones who can teach US lessons. My son STILL is teaching me, and I am so grateful for that. Thank you so much for sharing this tory. Does your granddaughter have a blog???? XO, Pinky

Shirley said...

Good Morning Bj, A very caring post this morning and don't children surprise us every day. They are becoming more our teachers at times with the way they do things for us.
I am catching up with my friends this morning because of the weather. Have a wonderful day. Hugs and Prayers from your Missouri Friend

GranthamLynn said...

This was beautiful.
Thanks for sharing this.
Have a good day,
Sherry

Madeline's Album said...

Thanks for sharing this with us BJ. It was a very inspiring post. Have a blessed day. Madeline

Theresa said...

Oh what a precious visit! I love it when we learn lessons from our smallest loves:) Have a blessed day dear friend, HUGS!

GranthamLynn said...

BJ thanks for coming by and letting me know the verify was on. HMM don't know how that happened. I sure don't like that think. It is anoooying! I laugh because when I run into one I am tempted to go back and right a post!
Thanks for letting me know and thanks for coming by.
Have a Blessed Day,
Sherry

Debbie said...

What a wonderful post to share. I enjoyed every minute of it and felt much like your Jessica that I learned so much from those two little girls and that one very wise grandmomma.

I mean it very sincerely when I say that this blessed me to read.

Celestina Marie said...

Hi bj,
Oh this just fills my heart and brings tears to my eyes. What a special memory formed from a darling child and her new friend.
We all have lots to learn from children. I think it is God's way of teaching us along the way.
Thank you for sharing this. Such a great way to start the day.

Thank you also for stopping by and your sweet comment. Hope you are not too buried in snow there. We saw on the news this morning that the National Guard was called in. They showed the front entrance of Texas Tech. Stay safe.
Big hugs, Celestina Marie

Irene said...

BJ, such a sweet post. I know many adults who can learn a thing or two on how to behave from these little girls. LOL

Beverly said...

Such a beautiful experience, and a lesson of great importance. Thank you for sharing.

SouthernHeart said...

I'm so very glad I found your blog and year sweet daughter's blog through Cozy House! I will be back to read more!

Blessings,
Dianne
www.sweetjourneyhome.com

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Children are so beautiful and what a great little granddaughter. I sit here crying about that story - what a great lesson we can all learn from them. They are so honest, trusting and loving -
Thanks BJ for sharing that beautiful story.
XXOO
Mary

Our Neck of the Woods said...

What a sweet story! We can learn so much from children. I wish we all saw the world like they do!

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Awwwwww, I have goose-bumps. What a marvelous, happy, enlightening, wonderful story...

Of a real happening.

And of a really, really Wise Grandmother.

Hugs,
"Auntie"

On Crooked Creek said...

BJ,
This is precious!!!
I'd say that Momma has done a great job in training up a child in the way of the Lord!!!
Thank you for sharing this with all of us!
"A little child shall lead them"!!!
We can all learn a vauable lesson of Love from this story!!!
Fondly,
Pat

Audrey said...

Oh BJ ... I read this early this morning but had to come back and read it again. Jessica writes such a touching story. Just pulled at my heartstrings. Kids sometimes teach use more than we ever expect. Thanks for sharing. Jessica must be a very special Mom and Cate is beautiful.
Hugs,
Audrey Z.
@ Timeless Treasures

Indrani said...

sweet touching story, glad you shared it.

Judy Biggerstaff said...

Yes such a sweet post. I have two grandsons and love every minute with them.

The French Hutch said...

What a precious story. The sweet innocence of wee ones! Thanks for sharing it bj.
I love the header..........

~Emily
The French Hutch

~Pam~ said...

hi BJ!
What a sweet post! So beautiful.
Take care
xo

LV said...

There is nothing more precious and innocent than a child. This darling one is not different, just was blessed by the good Lord to show others how they should accept and deal with unusual situations. Blessings to everyone for a heart warming story. BJ, trust you have not frozen this week.

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

2/27

Thank You for clicking on the link, and going over to view the blog entry, I asked you to.

And especially thank you, for telling her, that "Auntie" sent you. :-)

Unknown said...

What a touching and awesome post with beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing. I am happy to become a Follower of your Blog. Enjoy the rest of your week.
Judy - Judy H-J's Thoughts

Sue said...

I am so very glad that I decided to read back a post and didn't miss this. If only adults could be as kind as children...they all start out that way, why do so many become so ugly in thought and speech. This made my day.